Keyboard Division: Accompanying

The keyboard accompanying program at SFA offers a wide variety of performance opportunities to the
undergraduate and graduate keyboardist.

Accompanying Techniques Class offers hands-on experience collaborating with
vocalists and instrumentalists under the guidance of the Director of Accompanying, Dr. Ron Petti, with
emphasis on:

Techniques of basic ensemble playing

Ensemble balance

Rehearsal techniques

Sight-reading

Employing the appropriate tone color in different ensemble settings

Orchestral reduction techniques

Accompanying and improvising in secco recitatives from operas on the harpsichord

Following instrumental cues

Following and breathing with a singer

Following a conductor

German Lieder, French melodie, art songs,and operatic arias are studied and performed, as well as a broad
range of instrumental chamber music. Students perform in weekly vocal seminars and for instrumental studio,
junior and senior recitals. Accompanying in School of Musicvocal and instrumental studios help students
profit from the knowledge and expertise of other faculty. Individual weekly lessons are given to facilitate
musical and technical preparation of works. Performances with larger groups include wind ensemble, orchestra,
chamber orchestra, and opera workshop.

Numerous scholarship opportunities are available to the undergraduate and graduate keyboardist.

For further information regarding assistantships, audition requirements, etc. for the MM–Performance in Accompanying
please contact: